Introducing the Terence Conran Soundwave speaker

Form and function meet to create a super stylish piece of audio kit

In his late eighties and with still no signs of retiring, Sir Terence Conran’s latest collaboration combines high quality audio technology with elegant, timeless design for the home.

Following a previous successful collaboration with designer Ross Lovegrove, British audio brand KEF approached Conran to redesign an existing range that the company produces, in the designer’s inimitable style.

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The result is a set of elegant speakers that are designed to fit seamlessly into your décor, definitely to be seen not hidden, offering effortless, quality audio at home.

‘Simplicity, beauty and functionality are the solid foundations of good design but I always think a magic ingredient or element of surprise can raise the whole look or mood of a product all together. A flash of colour, an intriguing pattern or an element of texture perhaps,’ says Conran.

‘Audio systems are no longer a piece of background technology hidden away in a corner, they are as much a focal point in a room as a favourite object, antique or piece of artwork so the quality of the design is essential.’

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When designing the speakers, Conran drew inspiration the view from his studio as well as the core principals of acoustics. ‘When I sat down to consider the design of the fabric for the LSX Soundwave, I looked out from my desk over the River Thames and the ripples over the water and visualised waves of sound passing through the air.’

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Conran’s design has the speakers wrapped in a pale grey Kvadrat fabric, decorated with a subtle pattern of ripped, undulating lines, representing the soundwaves. Another highlight is the flash of Conran signature blue used on the tweeter.

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Sold a pair, the speakers have wireless functionality, both between each speaker and from the source. Apple AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect and Tidal are built in for easy music streaming, while you can connect your computer or any Bluetooth-enabled device quickly and easily.

Set-up is done in minutes via the KEF app and its easily controlled using a smartphone, tablet or the accompanying remote.

TheKEF LSX Soundwave by Terence Conran wireless music system costs £1,150, available at uk.kef.com or conranshop.co.uk

Amy Cutmore is the Head of Audience at Future and works across all the home brands, including Livingetc, Homes and Gardens, Ideal Home and Real Homes. She is known for her knowledge of tech and how to blend it with lifestyle, writing the popular blog Girl About Tech. She has also been the digital editor of Ideal Homes.